Randall Oaks Zoo welcomes pair of rare blonde raccoons
Raccoons are regular residents in Kane County, and many live in and around your neighborhood. However, Randall Oaks Zoo's newest additions stand out from the pack.
The Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee recently debuted a pair of female blonde raccoons that are greeting visitors daily.
Without the infamous black mask of their counterparts, the curious animals are barely recognizable as a raccoon.
The blonde raccoon, which is often mistaken for an albino, is truly a rare sight in the wild.
"The discoloration is just a lack of pigment, melanin in her skin and her hair follicles, but they have a brown nose and brown eyes, so they are not a true albino," says Wendy Russeff, Randall Oaks Park & Zoo division manager.
Guests can see the pair of blonde raccoons inside the barn in their temporary habitat.
Once they get larger, they will be introduced to our current raccoon resident, Miss K.
The zoo educators will periodically have them out for guests to get an up-close look and learn more about these adorable raccoons.
The Randall Oaks Zoo is located at 1180 N. Randall Road, in West Dundee.
For more information, call (847) 551-4312 or visit www.dtpd.org/randall-oaks-zoo.
The Randall Oaks Zoo is open daily, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 pm.
Stop by and see the newest members of the Randall Oaks Zoo family during SummerFest July 27-28 and enjoy special activities all day.